How Debris can Cause Construction-Related Injuries?

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. Workers are often exposed to a variety of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or even death. One of the most common causes of construction-related injuries is debris. Everything from loose power cords and sharp nails to broken glass and scrap metal can be found in abundance at a typical construction site, and these items can have devastating consequences if not properly handled or removed.

The Types of Injuries Caused by Debris

The types of injuries caused by debris on a construction site depend largely on the type and size of the object in question. For example, small objects such as nails, screws, and pieces of broken glass may cut or puncture the skin if stepped on or handled without proper protection. On the other hand, large objects such as pipes and beams may cause crushing injuries if they fall onto workers below them. Furthermore, any type of debris—no matter its size—may become airborne due to wind gusts or other environmental factors and strike unsuspecting workers below them, resulting in blunt force trauma or other severe injuries.

Slips, Trips and Falls

One of the most common types of accident caused by debris are slips, trips, and falls. This can occur when there is an accumulation of material or equipment left on the ground that workers may not see until they slip on it or trip over it. This could be anything from loose tools or nails to pieces of wood, wire, or cement bags—any kind of item that has been left lying around for too long can become a hazard if it is not cleared away quickly. Slips, trips, and falls can cause everything from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones and head injuries depending on the severity of the fall. 

Eye Damage

Another potential injury caused by debris at construction sites is eye damage. This can occur when small particles such as dust or metal shavings become airborne due to high winds or movement around the construction site. These particles can get into workers’ eyes and cause irritation or even worse—eye damage like scratches on the cornea that might require medical attention in order to heal properly. To prevent this kind of injury, it is important for those working on construction sites to always wear appropriate safety gear such as safety glasses in order to protect their eyes from any flying objects or particles in the air. 

Lacerations

Another injury that may be caused by debris at a construction site are lacerations. “Lacerations” here refers to any kind of cut or wound caused by sharp edges found on materials such as metal beams, pipes, or wiring systems. These kinds of injuries can be extremely painful but also hard to detect since they often occur deep beneath the skin level and require medical attention in order for them to heal properly without infection setting in. It is important for those working on construction sites to always wear protective clothing such as gloves in order to minimize their risk of getting cut with these sharp objects while they work.

The Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C., Protect Your Rights

Debris can be an incredibly dangerous presence at a construction site if not properly managed and removed quickly after being identified as a hazard. If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact our experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C., for help with your case. Fill out our online form or call us at 888-999-1962 today to schedule your free consultation with our legal team to learn more. With offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve our neighbors in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.